JOY (Third of Advent) - Overflowing & Joy-Filled
This year, during Advent Season we are going to be focusing on JOY.
Two weeks ago we learned about:
(click HERE to view)
Last week we learned about:
(click HERE to view)
And today the title is: "Overflowing & Joy-Filled" - we are focusing on how Jesus has filled us with joy that overflows through our actions and attitudes.
When researching for this series, I was amazed at how many times the word "joy" occurs in the Bible! Just like last week we will begin with basic definitions of each word:
Joy - the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. Bliss, cheer, delight, glee.
Overflow - superabundance, surplus
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The Scripture passage below is the reason why we should be exuding joy all the time (not just during Christmas):
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11
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Let's look at Jesus' example when he was here with us on earth - he knew the importance of God's joy.
In the first verse below we see that it is through the Holy Spirit that we receive joy. And it's not just a little bit - Jesus was FULL of joy through the Holy Spirit.
The second passage below clarifies why we should be joyful. We have NO reason not to be joyous every second of everyday - Jesus has overcome eternal damnation for everyone!!! We don't have to go through the agony that Jesus endured - He did that so that we won't ever have to.
In the Scripture passage below, Jesus is praying - He will soon be in heaven with His (our) Heavenly Father. But we learn yet again that we are filled with Jesus joy!!!
There are examples of other joy expressed by other people in the Bible.
This first example wonderfully shows how Jesus' joy changes how we live day to day. Even during VERY SEVERE TRIAL, and poverty - they (Macedonian churches) still found a way to be richly generous.
"In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity."
2 Corinthians 8:2
2 Corinthians 8:2
This second example is just as wonderful as the first. Jesus' overflowing joy caused this entire family to become believers!
".....he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household."
Acts 16:34
Acts 16:34
The first verse below is so true! Joy from Jesus is so amazing and lifechanging that there aren't strong enough words to describe the truth of the joy that comes from believing in Jesus.
When the joy from believing in Jesus overflows through our actions and thoughts, then everyone around us will know (even without uttering any words)!
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You might be interested in viewing this video:
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